8 Day Safari & Beach Escape | Maasai Mara & Watamu

Experience two very different sides of Kenya on an eight day journey combining the wildlife rich plains of the Maasai Mara with the Indian Ocean coastline of Watamu.

Begin in the Maasai Mara, where days are spent on game drives in search of the Big Five and the remarkable wildlife of the Mara ecosystem. From here, continue to Watamu, where safari days give way to the coast, local culture, and time surrounded by nature.

Stay at Rock and Sea, whose distinctive bubble lodge concept creates a more intimate coastal experience, with the accommodation and its natural setting becoming part of the journey.

Why We Designed It This Way

Choose this journey if you want to combine a classic safari with the Kenyan coast, but are looking for something different from a traditional beach resort.

Rather than centering the coastal portion entirely around the beach, we use Watamu and Rock and Sea to introduce another side of coastal Kenya. There is time to slow down, but also opportunities to experience local village life, culture, and the landscapes surrounding Watamu.

This journey is particularly suited to couples and adventurous travelers who value privacy, character, and smaller stays that feel connected to their surroundings.

Journey Highlights

• Search for the Big Five in the Maasai Mara

• Explore the Mara’s open savannahs on guided game drives

• Transition from safari to Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast

• Discover the coastal setting and local character of Watamu

• Stay at Rock and Sea and experience its distinctive bubble lodge concept

• Experience local village life and coastal culture

• Enjoy time to slow down surrounded by nature and the Indian Ocean

• Combine two distinctly different Kenyan landscapes within one journey

All that remains is for you to experience Kenya.

At Tourwithpipi, we don’t just plan safaris we curate stories worth remembering. Every journey is crafted with heart, care, and authenticity.

From handpicked lodges to seasoned guides who know every secret corner of the savannah, we bring you closer to the true essence of Africa.

Expect seamless service, immersive experiences, and the kind of warmth that feels like traveling with family.

Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your TourWithPipi representative and transferred to Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, where you can settle in and relax after your international journey.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to unwind and ease into your first evening in Kenya before your safari begins the following morning.

Overnight: Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara. The journey takes you from Nairobi into the open grasslands of one of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife regions.

Upon arrival, begin your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, exploring its sweeping savannahs and acacia-dotted plains. There may be opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, and other wildlife as you explore with your guide.

Pause for lunch before continuing through the afternoon, then return to Ilkeliani Camp as the day winds down for dinner and a relaxed evening in the bush.

Meals: Full Board

Overnight: Ilkeliani Camp

After breakfast, set out for a full day of game drives in the Maasai Mara, allowing the day's exploration to follow the natural rhythm of the reserve. Travel across open plains and riverine areas in search of the diverse wildlife that makes the Mara such a renowned safari destination.

Pause for a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your exploration into the afternoon. The changing light can bring a different character to the landscape as the day progresses, while wildlife activity continues to shape the pace of the drive.

Return to Ilkeliani Camp for dinner and a peaceful evening after a full day on safari.

Meals: Full Board

Overnight: Ilkeliani Camp

After breakfast, head out for another full day exploring the Maasai Mara, with time to discover different areas of the reserve and look for wildlife you may not have encountered on the previous drives.

Pause for a meal at camp before continuing into the afternoon, allowing the day's pace to remain flexible around the landscape and wildlife activity. From open grasslands to quieter corners of the reserve, each drive offers a different perspective of the Mara.

Return to Ilkeliani Camp for dinner and your final evening surrounded by the sounds of the bush.

Meals: Full Board

Overnight: Ilkeliani Camp

After breakfast, leave the Maasai Mara and fly from Ol Kiombo Airstrip to Wilson Airport, connecting onward to Malindi Airport. The journey takes you from Kenya’s wildlife-rich interior to the Indian Ocean coast.

Upon arrival, transfer to The Rock & Sea Watamu, where your safari experience gives way to a more intimate coastal escape. Settle in and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and taking in the surroundings of your unique bubble-lodge stay.

Meals: Full Board

Overnight: The rock and sea

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Watamu, where the pace slows and the Indian Ocean becomes the backdrop for the day. Spend your time relaxing along the shoreline or choose from optional activities such as snorkeling, a traditional dhow sailing excursion, or kayaking through the waters of Mida Creek.

Pause for a leisurely lunch before continuing your coastal experience through the afternoon. Whether exploring the water or simply enjoying the beach, the day offers a chance to unwind after your safari. As evening approaches, return to The Rock & Sea Watamu for dinner and a peaceful night on the coast.

Meals: Full Board

Overnight: The rock and sea

After breakfast, enjoy another day to experience the natural beauty of Watamu at your own pace.

Depending on your interests, optional experiences may include exploring Mida Creek, visiting Watamu Marine National Park, snorkeling among the coral reefs, taking a dhow sailing excursion, or spending time along the white-sand beaches.

After lunch, continue enjoying the coast and its slower rhythm. The afternoon is yours to relax, explore, or simply take in the turquoise waters and gentle sea breeze before returning to The Rock & Sea Watamu for dinner and your final evening in Watamu.

Meals: Full Board

Overnight: The rock and sea

After breakfast, transfer to Malindi Airport for your scheduled flight to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. As you leave the coast behind, enjoy one final aerial perspective of Kenya's changing landscapes.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, continue with your onward arrangements, bringing your journey from the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara to the relaxed shores of Watamu to a close.

Meals: Breakfast